Why did the author refer to "Hansel and Gretel" in milkweed
I haven't read "Milkweed," so I can only make a guess.
Remember the German story of Hansel and Gretel? The children are going to be eaten by the witch, but outsmart her and escape to supposedly live happily ever after.
Do you see a connection between this fable and "Milkweed?"
This site may give you some ideas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hansel_and_Gretel
What do you think?
In the novel "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli, the author refers to the fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel" to draw parallels and add depth to the story. The reference to "Hansel and Gretel" serves as a metaphor for the experiences of the main character, a young boy named Misha.
Similar to the children in the fairy tale who are abandoned in the woods, Misha is a Jewish boy who becomes separated from his family during the Holocaust. Both stories involve young protagonists who are left alone in dangerous and unfamiliar environments, facing uncertainty and adversity. By evoking the familiar tale, the author helps readers connect with Misha's plight and understand the harsh realities he encounters.
Furthermore, the fairy tale reference also underscores the themes of survival, resilience, and the power of hope. Like Hansel and Gretel, Misha must rely on his resourcefulness and wit to navigate his way through a hostile world. The reference to "Hansel and Gretel" serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is still the possibility of finding light, just as the breadcrumbs lead the fairy tale characters home.
By incorporating the allusion to "Hansel and Gretel" in "Milkweed," the author enriches the reader's understanding of Misha's journey and the universal themes of survival and hope amidst adversity.
In the novel "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli, the author mentions the fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel" to draw connections between the story being told and the real-life events happening during the Holocaust.
"Hansel and Gretel" is a well-known Brothers Grimm fairy tale about two children who are abandoned in a forest and stumble upon a gingerbread house inhabited by a witch. In "Milkweed," the protagonist, referred to as Misha or Stopthief, is a young orphan boy living on the streets of Warsaw during World War II.
By referencing "Hansel and Gretel," the author highlights the similarities between the experiences of the characters in the fairy tale and the hardships faced by Misha. Both stories involve children who are alone, struggling to survive in a dangerous world. The gingerbread house symbolizes a false refuge in "Hansel and Gretel," while Misha's struggles parallel the harsh realities of the Holocaust, where finding safety and sustenance was a constant challenge.
The author's use of "Hansel and Gretel" invites readers to make connections and consider the ways in which innocent children are affected by war and violence throughout history. It serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of children and the traumatic experiences they can endure in times of conflict.